Ronnie was a life-long resident of the area and a 1968 graduate of Heavener High School. He was a logger and driver for JB Hunt. He was of the Baptist faith. Ronnie married his high school sweetheart, Elaine (Elliott) Yandell on May 3, 1968. When Ronnie and Elaine started dating he was shy and bashful. They spent many dates eating in the truck because he was too shy to go inside a restaurant to order. They were married for 56 wonderful years and were blessed with two daughters, who were the light of his life. The two created a legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which were his world.
Ronnie was a kind, sweet, gentle, and quiet man. To know him was to love him. He treated everyone with respect and kindness and never had a negative word to say about anyone. Ronnie’s passion was gardening, hunting, fishing, and taking care of his chickens. His best days were spent shucking corn with his mama, brothers, and family. He always looked forward to his family’s annual deer camping trip, where the best memories were created. Ronnie loved his family with his entire heart and never failed to let them know.
He is survived by: His wife of 56 years, Elaine Yandell of the home
Two daughters: Rochelle Watts and husband Joey of the Hontubby Community and Melinda McGee and husband Sam of Howe, Oklahoma
Two sisters: Linda Rainbolt of Checotah, Oklahoma and Patsy Lyons and husband Dallas of Heavener, Oklahoma
Two brothers: Paul Yandell and wife Helen of Heavener, Oklahoma and Randy A. Yandell of Heavener, Oklahoma
Eight grandchildren: April Keller and husband Jerrid of Heavener, Oklahoma Jolee Carter and husband Jeremy of Heavener, Oklahoma; Rod Manley, Jr. and wife Niki of Heavener, Oklahoma; Shaylee Button and husband Daniel of Parks, Arkansas; Jacee Grubbs and husband Trey of Heavener, Oklahoma; Kacee Place and husband Connor of Wister, Oklahoma; Piper Manley of Howe, Oklahoma; Phoebe Manley of Howe, Oklahoma
One special granddaughter: Ashlyn Fowler of Heavener, Oklahoma
13 great-grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren on the way; Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and host of many friends
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bobby Lee Yandell and Lillie Belle (McCammish) Tolbert; his step-dad, Kenneth Tolbert; and one brother, Donny Yandell.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at the Freedom House Fellowship, 20977 Independence Road in Heavener, Oklahoma with Brother David Billy and Brother Sam Dyer officiating. Burial will follow in the Hontubby Cemetery under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.
Pallbearers will be: Jerrid Keller, Rod Manley, Jr., Trey Grubbs, Daniel Button, Connor Place, Harlan Shrock, and Sam McGee.
Honorary Pallbearers will be: Dex Carter, Carter Button, Easton Morton, Duck Cripps, Kevin Yandell, Michael Yandell, Randy Yandell, and Joey Watts.
Viewing will be from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Monday and 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday.
The family will visit with friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home.
To sign Ronnie’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
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